Fairfax Connector To Resume Fare Collection In Early 2021

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax Connector, a local bus system serving Fairfax County, will start fare collection and front door boarding again on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

Fare collection had been suspended in March for COVID-19 safety protocols requiring rear door boarding. As front door boarding resumes, driver shields have been installed in buses.

On Jan. 4, Fairfax Connector also plans to launch new routes. Route 350, the Springfield Business Circulator, will replace the former TAGS S80 and S91 service operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The fare is free for rush-hour service between Franconia-Springfield Transportation Center and Metro Park. The fare is $0.50 for rush-hour service between Franconia-Springfield Transportation Center, Springfield Town Center and the Hilton Springfield. For mid-day service, the fare is free between Franconia-Springfield Transportation Center, TSA Headquarters, NVCC Medical Education Campus and Springfield Town Center.

Route 351 is another new Springfield Business Circulator service. This route provides a link that the former TAGS route did not service. The rush-hour express service is free between Franconia-Springfield Transportation Center, TSA Headquarters and NVCC Medical Education Campus.

Fairfax Connector also plans to return routes 462 and 467 (Dunn Loring-Navy Federal-Tysons) to previous routing and schedules on Jan. 4 as the new Cedar Lane Bridge over Interstate 66 is expected to open on or around Dec. 23. There will also be Sunday service added on Route 467 due to increased passenger demand.

The reconstructed bridge is part of the Virginia Department of Transportation's project adding Express Lanes alongside three regular lanes on I-66 from the Beltway to University Boulevard in Gainesville. Those Express Lanes are scheduled to open in December 2022, and other improvements are planned as part of the Outside the Beltway project.

Fairfax Connector continues to implement safety protocols due to the pandemic. Riders are required to wear face coverings on buses. Since May, staff have distributed 66,000 face coverings to riders without one. Bus operators continue to follow cleaning and disinfecting guidance from public health officials and practice enhanced vehicle cleaning and disinfecting cycles on bus interiors and high-touch points.

Riders are asked to follow these public health guidelines on Fairfax Connector:

• Practice social distancing (keep six feet apart when possible).
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

For more information on bus service, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector.